NATO has called out what it dubs 'desperate' rhetoric on the part of the Kremlin which invokes potential use of strategic forces, also at a moment of growing accusations from European officials that Moscow is engaged in sabotage against EU interests and assets.
"Russia’s use of hybrid tactics is a sign of desperation. But we will not be dissuaded from our support to Ukraine," NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said Tuesday, adding that "we [NATO] have what it takes to defend every inch of allied territory and remain strong, ready, and able to counter any threat."
"NATO is a defensive alliance and none of our activities or exercises pose a risk to any part of Russia," she reiterated. "We strongly denounce the threat of force, including any irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." Hart added: "We call on Russia to end its unprovoked war in Ukraine."
USAF file imageMoscow has just submitted a formal letter warning the Western military alliance concerning Kaliningrad, an exclave of Russia between NATO members Lithuania and Poland.
The letter accused NATO of an "unprecedented escalation of the military-political situation around Russia's region of Kaliningrad accompanied by highly provocative public statements by NATO Allies' officials."
"This dangerous and reckless course entails high risk of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict with the possibility of Russian strikes against dec